Cadiz City, in Negros Occidental, is extending an invitation to artists across the Visayas to participate in its painting competition, which aims to showcase the essence of Visayan life. The competition, part of the city’s Lunsod Lunsad initiative backed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is set to conclude during the 51st Dinagsa Festival in January next year. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. emphasized the competition’s expansion to include artists from the entire Visayas region, marking a significant shift from last year’s island-wide event. Escalante stated, ‘Art knows no boundaries. We need to know more about the Visayan life through art.’ Cadiz has been recognized by the DTI as a creative city for two consecutive years, with its project ‘Cadiznon Lunsod Lunsad Year 2: Elevating Creative Excellence’ receiving accolades for promoting creativity and innovation. This year’s competition, themed ‘Pagsibol sa Kabihasnang Pamumuhay’ (Visayan life), is open to artists aged 18 and above. The grand prize is set at PHP200,000, with PHP100,000 and PHP50,000 for the first and second runners-up, respectively. Additional minor awards totaling PHP100,000 will also be awarded. Last year’s winner, Therese Mae Ortaliz from Bacolod City, won PHP100,000 for her piece ‘Negros’ Vibrant Harvest,’ which depicted the sugar industry of Negros Occidental. Entries for the competition must be 32 x 26 inches, using oil or acrylic on canvas, and can be submitted between January 6 and 10. Artists can register at https://forms.gle/5Xssz2QdT9p9pmSJ9.
